What is Ceramics & how is it Made? | Duravit
Bathroom Ceramics
Ceramic is one of the most traditional materials around. And yet we keep finding ever more fascinating forms for the "white gold". For 200 years Duravit has gained valuable experience in the manufacture of ceramic products and continued to find things to improve. Nowadays \"Made by Duravit\" is regarded as the highest quality promise, guaranteeing the best possible design and innovative technology.
Ceramic is a natural product consisting of the natural raw materials kaolin, quartz, feldspar and clay. So every ceramic is unique by nature.
No two washbasins or toilets are identical down to the last millimetre. The contours are created in hand-filled plaster of Paris moulds at the Duravit factories.
Plaster of Paris moulds are filled and agitated by hand. After being filled about 80 times, they have to be replaced with new ones.
Once the moulds have been filled, the ceramic blanks have to rest for two to three days.
After casting, the ceramic washbasins are initially as fragile as modelling clay. Using a sponge and light, they are carefully checked for irregularities.
The glaze is then applied. At Duravit, this is precisely one millimetre thick. It ensures a smooth and easy-clean finish but, above all, the durability of the unique Duravit ceramic.
Before they leave the factory, the ceramic parts are inspected individually and, if necessary, reworked by hand.
The Meißen plant: after 21 hours in the kiln, the finishing touches are made to the glaze on a toilet bowl.
... and in Shanghai.
In Duravit's highly sophisticated testing laboratory in Shanghai, the products are put through their paces.
The wood grouse has been part of the Duravit logo since 1937 and is produced in ceramic by hand for special events. A symbol for the highest possible quality, made by Duravit.
Manual dexterity and great craftsmanship is required in the manufacture of ceramic. Training to become an industrial ceramicist takes three years.
